Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cholelithiasis Among Children with Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia: A Single Center Experience Benghazi, Libya

• Asma Albarasi

  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Hana Saied Abdulali

  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Almarj, Benghazi university, Libya

  Author

• Amal A. Elfakhri

  Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

  Author

• Hala Ammar

  Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

  Author

Cholelithiasis is increasingly recognized in pediatric hereditary hemolytic anemias (HHAs), with limited data on its frequency and risk factors in Libyan children. This study aimed to assess cholelithiasis prevalence and risk factors in children with HHAs at Benghazi Medical Center. A cross-sectional study of 100 children (4 months–16 years) with HHAs was conducted (2009–2024). Data included age, HHA type, family history, transfusion frequency, and ultrasonography-confirmed gallstones. Mean age at HHA diagnosis was 3.1 ± 3.8 years. Gallstones were detected in 36% of cases, most commonly at age 7 (range: 1.5–15 years). Three children developed cholelithiasis before age 2. Severe hemolysis and frequent transfusions significantly increased gallstone risk.  Gallstones are prevalent in Libyan children with HHAs, particularly sickle cell anemia and hereditary spherocytosis, with early onset in some cases. We recommend annual ultrasound screening for early detection, especially in severely affected, frequently transfused patients, and exploring transfusion-sparing therapies.

1. Asma Albarasi, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya

   Pediatric department, faculty of medicine, University of Benghazi, children hospital of Benghazi

2. Hana Saied Abdulali, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Almarj, Benghazi university, Libya

    

    

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